Nina Mae McKinney

Nina Mae McKinney dubbed the "Dusky Clara Bow"- with light skin; a pouty mouth; large eyes; keen features; dark straight hair; and energy to burn.

Born in 1913 in Lancaster, South Carolina.

Known to spend wildly: on clothes, on jewelry, on friends, on nights on the town; eventually, on drugs.

Married Jimmy Monroe, left  (a one time husband of Billie Holiday, right) and Nina's manager at the time.

Lola Falana

Irene Cara

City Heat (1984)

Roots: The Next Generations (TV Mini-Series) 

Irene played Bertha Palmer Haley, here with Stan Shaw who played Will Palmer.

As Coco in Fame (1980)

 Sparkle (1976)

As Sparkle with Philip Michael Thomas as Stix

Sister and the Sistas with Dwan Smith as Delores (l)  and Lonette McKee (m) as Sister

Certain Fury (1985)

Childhood photos :)

w/ Telly Savalas